California’s alarming rise in coronavirus raises new fears


Coronavirus cases in California continued at a troubling peak this week, but it remains unclear how much conditions should worsen before officials move to curb the rapid reopening of the economy.

For the second day in a row, California broke a daily record for new cases on Tuesday. More than 6,600 infections were reported, the highest single-day count in the state since the pandemic hit the US. USA

California recorded a second consecutive day of new daily coronavirus cases, registering 6,652 new cases statewide on Tuesday.

California recorded a second consecutive day of new daily coronavirus cases, registering 6,652 new cases statewide on Tuesday.

(Los Angeles Times)

Hospitalizations for COVID-19 are also starting to increase in some parts of the state, another worrying sign. Silicon Valley authorities warned that progress against the coronavirus was eroding. Santa Clara County recorded its highest daily total of new cases, 121 on Tuesday, far worse than any day in March or April.

“Now, we will go back up in a pattern similar to the rest of the state,” said Dr. Jeffrey Smith, Santa Clara County executive. “We are at our highest peak right now.”

Dr. Sara Cody, Santa Clara County health officer, said the increase in cases was troubling.

“This increase may be accelerating,” said Cody. “This increase reflects widespread testing, we are finding more cases than there are, but it also reflects an increase in cases because the virus continues to spread.” It is a little early to know if this will translate into a significant increase in hospitalizations and deaths in the future. “

In Ventura County, there were an average of 85 people hospitalized daily with confirmed or suspected coronavirus infections last week, an increase of 67% from six weeks ago.

“We are showing the first signs of beginning to lose this battle against COVID-19 in our county,” Dr. Robert Levin, the Ventura County Health Officer, told the Board of Supervisors. There is also an increase in cases across the state. “It worries me. And you should worry,” he said.

The latest projections from the University of Washington Institute for Health Measurement and Assessment say California can see more than 15,100 deaths as of October 1, a 170% increase in the current number of deaths, which was more than 5,600 from Tuesday afternoon.

In Los Angeles County, officials reported Tuesday. more than 2,000 new cases for the fourth time in the last week, bringing the total infection to more than 88,500. Authorities also reported 34 additional deaths, increasing the number of victims to 3,171, most of the state’s total.

In San Diego County, officials reported More than 300 new cases Monday for the second day in a row after breaking a record with more than 310 cases on Sunday. Another 198 cases were reported Tuesday.

The case count is just a metric in tracking the spread of the virus. Although the increased testing capacity may explain part of the increase, officials have said the increase cannot be linked to further testing alone.

Officials have repeatedly warned that expect transmission rates to increase As more companies reopen and people resume normal activities after orders to stay home for months.

Los Angeles County Director of Public Health Barbara Ferrer said that while it is impossible to trace the source of the spread in a public setting, it is “highly likely” that the overall increase is related to mass protests that erupted over the death of George Floyd, as well as groups of social gatherings in restaurants and private parties.

Statewide, the positivity rate among those screened for coronaviruses in the past 14 days increased from 4.5% to 4.8% in the past week, and the number of hospitalizations of patients with confirmed infections increased by 16% in the last two weeks.

In Los Angeles County, the daily positivity rate averaged over seven days increased to 8.8%. Authorities reported Tuesday that 1,515 people were hospitalized with confirmed coronavirus infections, 27% of them in intensive care. Although that number is a far cry from the April peak of 1,900 patients, it is higher than the daily hospitalization counts of 1,350 to 1,450 in recent weeks.

Despite the increase in cases, more cities and counties continue to expand their reopening plans.

In San Francisco, Mayor London Breed and Health Director Dr. Grant Colfax announced this week that the city will move into its next reopening phase from mid-July to June 29. Hairdressers and nail salons, hairdressers, museums, zoos, Tattoo parlors, massage parlors and open-air bars may reopen, provided they follow security protocols.

“Thanks to the efforts of the Franciscans to comply with health requirements, use facial covering and practice social distancing, our COVID-19 health indicators are in a good place and we can continue to reopen our city,” said Breed. “We know that many businesses and residents are struggling financially, and this next step will help more San Francisco residents return to work while continuing to balance security.”

Governor Gavin Newsom said state health officials were closely watching the numbers. He added that he was confident that the state could respond to the virus in the coming weeks and months.

“We have always entered this with our eyes wide open. We have always prepared for a surge, ”he said. “I feel like we anticipate the probability, once we’ve reopened, that the number will increase, and they have.”

Times staff writers Sean Greene and Iris Lee contributed to this report.